Aadhaar Users Will Soon Be Allowed To Delete Biometric Data

Aadhaar linking has been a headache we all have had! However, now, Aadhaar card holders in India could soon get the option to withdraw his or her Aadhaar number.

A new report by The Hindu suggests that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is in the final stage of coming up with a decision, allowing citizens to opt out of his or her Aadhaar cards.

Additionally, people will be able to delete all the biometric data and other relevant information from the database.

The initial proposal hinted that children who are turning 18 will be provided with the option to choose whether or not he or she wants an Aadhaar card, providing them a six-month time to make the decision.

The proposal has been sent to the Law Ministry for finalization process. According to an official, the Ministry wants to make the choice available to all the citizens and not only to those who are turning 18.

However, the decision would likely benefit only those who don’t have a PAN card or don’t require one as it is mandatory to link PAN with Aadhar. A workaround could be found to make the option available for every Indian.

Having said that, the proposal has been submitted to the concerned department and the Cabinet will soon come out with a decision.

To recall, back in September, the Supreme court confirmed the validity of Aadhaar cards. However, it prohibited the private companies demanding Aadhaar card from employees and suggested that citizens are not required to link his or her Aadhaar cards with the mobile numbers.

The ability to choose whether or not we need Aadhaar would prove to be a sigh of relief for all. However, we still need to wait for the final verdict. So, stay tuned!